Hexagram 14
Possession in Great Measure
大有 (Dà Yǒu)
Fire over Heaven
Hexagram 14 represents supreme success, great abundance, and the harmonious possession of resources and blessings. This hexagram symbolizes a time of prosperity where heaven's creative power is illuminated by clarity and wisdom, bringing forth exceptional achievements and material abundance. The fire above heaven represents the sun at its zenith, shining brilliantly upon all things below, blessing them with warmth, light, and the energy needed for flourishing. This is a time when strength is combined with clarity, when resources are plentiful, and when leadership is exercised with both power and enlightenment, creating conditions for widespread prosperity and harmonious success.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Possession in Great Measure. Supreme success."
Hexagram 14 represents the pinnacle of achievement and abundance, a time when all elements align to create extraordinary success and prosperity. This hexagram teaches us that true wealth extends beyond material possessions to encompass wisdom, virtue, and the ability to benefit others through our abundance. The supreme success indicated here comes from the harmonious combination of inner clarity and outer strength, where fire illuminates heaven's creative power. When we possess great resources, whether material wealth, knowledge, influence, or talent, we are called to exercise this abundance with wisdom and generosity. The hexagram reminds us that great possession brings great responsibility, and that our success is most meaningful when shared and used to uplift others in our community and sphere of influence.
The simplicity of the judgment, stating only supreme success, reflects the natural and effortless quality of this fortunate time. Like the sun shining at midday, abundance flows naturally when conditions are right and when we have cultivated the proper inner qualities. This is not success achieved through struggle or manipulation, but rather the natural fruition of past efforts, good character, and alignment with cosmic principles. The hexagram encourages us to receive our blessings with gratitude and humility, recognizing that abundance is both a gift and a trust. We must remain mindful that prosperity can be fleeting if not maintained through continued virtue, wise stewardship, and generous sharing with those around us.
The Image (大象传)
君子以遏恶扬善，顺天休命。
Translation: "Fire in heaven above: the image of Possession in Great Measure. Thus the superior person curbs evil and furthers good, and thereby obeys the benevolent will of heaven."
The image of fire blazing in heaven above represents the sun at its highest point, illuminating all things with perfect clarity and providing warmth and energy to everything below. In hexagram 14, this powerful image teaches us that those who possess great resources and influence must use their position to distinguish clearly between right and wrong, supporting what is beneficial while restraining what is harmful. The superior person in times of abundance does not become complacent or self-indulgent, but rather recognizes that their elevated position comes with the sacred duty to promote goodness and suppress evil. Like the sun that shines impartially on all, providing light and warmth without discrimination, those blessed with abundance must exercise their influence for the benefit of all, creating conditions where virtue can flourish and harmful tendencies are naturally discouraged through wise leadership and moral example.
By obeying the benevolent will of heaven, the superior person aligns their use of abundance with cosmic principles of harmony and justice. This means using wealth to support worthy causes, employing influence to protect the vulnerable, and leveraging knowledge to educate and enlighten others. The hexagram reminds us that great possession is not an end in itself but a means to fulfill heaven's mandate of creating harmony and promoting the welfare of all beings. When we use our resources wisely and generously, we participate in the cosmic order and ensure that our abundance continues to grow and benefit future generations.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"No relationship with what is harmful. There is no blame in this. If one remains conscious of difficulty, one remains without blame."
At the beginning of great possession, you must establish proper boundaries and avoid entanglements that could compromise your integrity or drain your resources. This line counsels careful discernment in choosing associations and partnerships. While abundance is beginning to manifest, remain humble and aware of potential challenges. By maintaining consciousness of difficulties even in good times, you protect yourself from the complacency that often accompanies early success. Avoid harmful influences and stay focused on building a solid foundation for your growing prosperity.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"A big wagon for loading. One may undertake something. No blame."
This line represents having substantial resources and the capacity to accomplish significant undertakings. Like a large wagon that can carry heavy loads, you possess the strength and means to pursue ambitious goals. Your resources are sufficient for major projects, and you can move forward with confidence. The key is to use your capacity wisely, loading your wagon with worthwhile endeavors rather than trivial pursuits. This is an excellent time to take on responsibilities that match your capabilities, knowing you have the resources to see them through to completion.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven. A petty man cannot do this."
This line emphasizes the importance of generosity and proper use of abundance. Those with great resources should share them with worthy causes and higher purposes, just as a prince makes offerings to the emperor. Small-minded individuals hoard their wealth or use it selfishly, but the superior person recognizes that true greatness comes from generous contribution to the greater good. Use your abundance to support noble endeavors, contribute to your community, and honor those who embody wisdom and virtue. This generosity ensures continued blessings and establishes your reputation as a person of character.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"He makes no boast of his wealth. No blame."
In a position of significant abundance and influence, the wise person remains modest and avoids ostentation. This line warns against the temptation to display wealth or boast about achievements. True security comes not from impressing others with your possessions but from maintaining humility and discretion. By avoiding arrogance and pretension, you protect yourself from envy, resentment, and the spiritual dangers of pride. Let your abundance speak through your actions and generosity rather than through boastful display. Modesty in prosperity ensures that your good fortune continues and that you maintain genuine relationships based on character rather than wealth.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified, has good fortune."
The ruler's position emphasizes the perfect balance between approachability and dignity in leadership. When you possess great resources and authority, remain accessible and sincere with others while maintaining appropriate dignity and boundaries. This combination of warmth and respect creates an atmosphere where people feel comfortable approaching you, yet they also maintain proper reverence for your position. Your sincerity builds trust, while your dignity commands respect. This balanced approach to leadership ensures harmonious relationships, loyal support, and continued success in managing your abundant resources and responsibilities effectively.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"He is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further."
At the pinnacle of great possession, you receive heaven's blessing and protection. This supreme position comes to those who have used their abundance wisely, maintained virtue in prosperity, and remained aligned with cosmic principles. Everything you undertake now receives divine support and flows smoothly toward success. This is the reward for proper stewardship of resources and consistent moral character. However, even at this height, remain humble and grateful, recognizing that heaven's favor continues only as long as you maintain the virtues that brought you here. Use this blessed time to accomplish great good and establish lasting benefits for others.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In matters of the heart, hexagram 14 indicates a time of great fulfillment and abundant love. Existing relationships flourish with deep mutual appreciation, shared joy, and the resources needed to build a beautiful life together. This is an excellent period for celebrating your partnership, perhaps through meaningful gestures, special experiences, or deepening your commitment. The abundance represented here extends to emotional richness, where both partners feel valued, cherished, and supported. However, the hexagram also reminds couples to avoid complacency in their happiness and to continue nurturing their bond through generosity, attention, and shared purpose. Use this time of relational abundance to strengthen your foundation and create lasting memories together.
For those seeking love, hexagram 14 suggests you are in a position of attractiveness and desirability, possessing qualities that naturally draw potential partners to you. Your confidence, success, and positive energy make you magnetic to others. This is an auspicious time for meeting someone special, particularly in settings related to your achievements or areas where you shine. However, be discerning in choosing partners, ensuring they appreciate you for your character rather than merely your external success or resources. Seek relationships built on mutual respect, shared values, and genuine connection rather than superficial attraction to your abundance.
The fire over heaven configuration reminds us that love at its best combines passion with clarity, warmth with wisdom. In your relationships, strive to be both generous and discerning, open-hearted yet maintaining healthy boundaries. Share your abundance of love, time, and resources freely with your partner, but also ensure that giving flows both ways. The superior person in love curbs selfish tendencies and furthers mutual growth, creating a relationship that benefits both individuals and radiates positive influence to those around them. This is a time when love can truly flourish and become a source of inspiration and joy.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 14 represents a peak period of career success and business prosperity. Your efforts have borne fruit, and you now enjoy recognition, advancement, and abundant opportunities. This is an excellent time to leverage your position for significant achievements, take on leadership roles, and expand your influence in your field. Your reputation is strong, your resources are plentiful, and conditions favor ambitious undertakings. However, with great success comes great responsibility. Use your professional abundance to mentor others, contribute to your industry, and create value that extends beyond personal gain. The superior professional in times of prosperity invests in their team, shares credit generously, and builds systems that benefit the entire organization.
For entrepreneurs and business owners, this hexagram signals exceptional market conditions and business growth. Your enterprise has the resources, momentum, and market position to achieve significant expansion and profitability. This is the time to make strategic investments, enter new markets, or launch major initiatives that you have been planning. Your big wagon can carry heavy loads, so don't hesitate to pursue substantial opportunities. However, maintain the humility and ethical standards that brought you to this point. Avoid ostentatious displays of success that might alienate customers or partners. Instead, let your business excellence speak through quality products, exceptional service, and positive impact on your community and industry.
The hexagram also counsels wise stewardship of your professional abundance. Don't become complacent or assume that success will continue automatically. Continue innovating, developing your skills, and adapting to changing conditions. Use your current prosperity to build reserves, diversify your income streams, and create sustainable systems that will support you through future challenges. Share your success through fair compensation for employees, ethical business practices, and corporate social responsibility. By aligning your professional activities with higher principles and using your abundance to benefit others, you ensure continued growth and establish a legacy of meaningful achievement.
Health & Wellness (健康)
In health matters, hexagram 14 indicates a time of vitality, energy, and overall wellness. Your physical and mental health are strong, providing you with the stamina and resilience needed to pursue your goals and enjoy life fully. This abundance of health is a precious resource that should not be taken for granted. Use this time of wellness to establish healthy habits, build physical strength, and create sustainable routines that will support your wellbeing long-term. The fire over heaven suggests that your inner light is shining brightly, reflected in your physical vitality and mental clarity. However, avoid the temptation to overextend yourself or neglect self-care simply because you feel invincible. Even in times of great health, maintain balance and moderation.
This is an excellent period to invest in your health through quality nutrition, regular exercise, and preventive care. Your body responds well to positive inputs now, making it an ideal time to upgrade your diet, start a new fitness program, or address any minor health concerns before they become major issues. The abundance of energy you possess can be channeled into building strength, flexibility, and endurance that will serve you for years to come. Consider this time of wellness as an opportunity to establish a strong foundation of health that will support you through future challenges. Share your vitality by engaging in activities that bring joy and connection with others.
Mental and emotional health also flourish under this hexagram. Your clarity of mind and emotional stability provide excellent conditions for personal growth, learning, and creative expression. Use this mental abundance to develop new skills, pursue intellectual interests, or engage in practices that enhance your psychological wellbeing. However, the hexagram reminds us to curb harmful tendencies and further beneficial ones. Avoid excess in any area, whether food, drink, work, or even exercise. The key to maintaining your abundant health is balance, moderation, and gratitude for the gift of wellness you currently enjoy.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 14 represents exceptional prosperity and wealth accumulation. Your financial situation is strong, with multiple income streams, growing assets, and abundant opportunities for increasing your wealth. This is a time when investments perform well, business ventures prove profitable, and financial decisions tend to yield positive results. However, the hexagram emphasizes that true financial wisdom lies not merely in accumulating wealth but in using it wisely and generously. The superior person in times of financial abundance shares their prosperity through charitable giving, supporting worthy causes, and helping family and community members in need. This generosity creates positive karma and ensures that abundance continues to flow into your life.
Use this period of financial strength to build long-term security and create systems that will sustain your prosperity. Diversify your investments, establish emergency reserves, and create passive income streams that will support you in the future. The big wagon can carry heavy loads, so consider making significant investments in assets that will appreciate over time, such as real estate, education, or business expansion. However, avoid the temptation to display your wealth ostentatiously or to make risky investments simply because you feel financially invincible. Maintain the prudent financial habits that brought you to this point of abundance, and remember that markets and conditions can change.
The hexagram also counsels using your financial resources to create value and benefit others. Consider how your wealth can be employed to support meaningful projects, create employment opportunities, or contribute to social good. When you align your financial activities with higher principles and use your abundance to uplift others, you participate in the benevolent will of heaven and ensure that your prosperity has lasting meaning and impact. Financial abundance is both a blessing and a responsibility, and those who steward it wisely enjoy continued growth and the deep satisfaction of making a positive difference in the world.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Hexagram 14 represents a pinnacle moment in your personal development journey, where your cultivation of character, knowledge, and wisdom has reached a point of exceptional maturity and capability. You possess abundant inner resources, including confidence, clarity, emotional intelligence, and spiritual insight. This is a time to recognize and celebrate how far you have come in your personal growth while remaining humble and committed to continued development. The fire illuminating heaven represents your consciousness shining brightly, able to perceive truth clearly and make wise decisions. Use this clarity to deepen your self-understanding, refine your values, and align your life more fully with your highest principles and aspirations.
This period of personal abundance calls you to share your wisdom and experience with others who are earlier in their journey. Become a mentor, teacher, or guide to those who can benefit from your insights and example. The superior person in times of personal greatness does not hoard their knowledge but generously shares it to uplift others and contribute to collective wisdom. Your personal growth becomes most meaningful when it serves not only your own development but also inspires and supports the growth of others. Consider how you can use your emotional maturity, life experience, and hard-won wisdom to make a positive difference in your community and relationships.
The hexagram also reminds you to curb negative tendencies and further positive qualities within yourself. Even at this high point of personal development, remain vigilant against pride, complacency, or the subtle ways ego can distort your perception and behavior. Continue your practices of self-reflection, meditation, or whatever disciplines support your ongoing growth. Use your current strength and clarity to address any remaining character flaws or limiting patterns. By maintaining humility and commitment to continuous improvement, you ensure that your personal development continues to deepen and that you remain aligned with the benevolent will of heaven in all aspects of your life.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing indicated by hexagram 14 is exceptionally auspicious for major undertakings, significant decisions, and ambitious initiatives. Like the sun at its zenith, you are at a peak moment of power, resources, and favorable conditions. This is the time to act boldly on your most important goals, to launch projects you have been planning, and to leverage your abundant resources for maximum impact. However, the hexagram also counsels wisdom in the use of this favorable timing. Supreme success comes not from reckless action but from combining your abundant resources with clear vision, ethical principles, and consideration for others. Make decisions that align with your highest values and that will create lasting benefit rather than merely short-term gain.
The key advice of this hexagram is to use your abundance wisely and generously. Whether your prosperity manifests as wealth, influence, knowledge, relationships, or opportunities, recognize that these blessings come with responsibility. Share your resources freely with those in need, support worthy causes, and use your position to promote good and restrain evil in your sphere of influence. Avoid the temptations of pride, ostentation, and self-indulgence that often accompany success. Instead, maintain the humility, integrity, and generosity that characterize the superior person. By aligning your use of abundance with cosmic principles of harmony and justice, you ensure that your prosperity continues and deepens over time.
Remember that even the sun at its zenith will eventually descend, and times of great abundance naturally give way to other phases. Use this peak period to build foundations that will sustain you through future challenges, to create reserves that will support you in leaner times, and to establish relationships and systems that will endure beyond this moment of maximum prosperity. The wisdom of hexagram 14 lies in recognizing abundance as both a gift and a trust, to be enjoyed with gratitude while being stewarded with wisdom for the benefit of all. By following this path, you fulfill heaven's mandate and ensure that your success has lasting meaning and positive impact.